Lalage Beaumont knows about fashion – she worked with some of Britain’s most iconic brands before designing her own collection. Speaking from her exclusive boutique in Mayfair, Lalage happily admits to shopping for T-shirts in H&M and says she loves Gap jeans, but insists there are some elements in a woman’s wardrobe that should never be skimped.

Lalage knows clothes inside out. Former designer for Aquascutum, she was merchandise director with Austin Reed for a decade then joined Mulberry before moving to New Zealand. She returned to the UK to launch her own collection in 2004 and opened her shop in Avery Row two years later.

“Some clothes are worth spending on because of the fit, the cut, the fabric. Others can be cheap and nobody will notice, especially if you mix the two,” she says.

“Take T-shirts. If you want something neutral to wear under a suit, spend money to get a good fabric with Lycra for a close fit. For good colours, spend a few pounds in H&M. You might buy a T-shirt for £80 and wear it on its own, day in, day out for months, it will hardly need ironing and won’t twist out of shape. But if you want a layer under a loose shirt, spend £4.99.

If you’re a ‘jeans and white T-shirt’ person or wear light tops under suits for work, always spend well on tees and shell tops. Find a neckline that’s good for your size and shape. Kettlewell Colours offer a wide selection.

“When it comes to knitwear, mass-produced classics can be good from chains like M&S. But cheap cashmere can be a false investment because it's been over-pressed and has no recovery. Buy cashmere on-line from the manufactures and you get quality and huge colour ranges – a lot of good collections are still made in Scotland so you’re buying British too.

“Buying jeans is less about money and more about fi nding a shape that flatters your body.  They could be from Gap or a designer, £40 or £200.

Tailored trousers and suits are another matter.  They’re some of the best investments, especially in classic colours. Buying tailored clothes is about finding the brands that work for you, the right fit, the right length.”

With trousers it pays not to be swayed by fashion – if a straight leg or a bootcut makes you look good, that transcends fashion. “Smart coats fall into the tailoring category.  ey’re all about the fabric, which mustn’t pill, and whether you want to wear it over a lot of diff erent lengths. Can one coat cover half your wardrobe? Or do you need two, or three, or diff erent, brighter colours? Macs are the same – do you need a neutral Burberry trench or a mac that’s cheap, washable and fun to lift your spirits?

“Shirts and blouses are definitely aff ected by cost, but it is diffi cult to identify what is really good. Basically, if it’s cheap there’s a reason, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth buying! Pay attention to really good buys like a decent shirt in white or pale pink if you wear them a lot. “ The total giveaways for any outfit are your shoes and handbag. If you don’t want to spend a lot on your wardrobe, invest in good jeans and T-shirts and wear them with really smart boots and a great handbag.

“You don’t need a lot of shoes and boots when what you choose works well. If you skimp on footwear you can ruin even an expensive outfit. The soles are telltales – are they leather? Keep footwear polished, heeled and soled, and leave at least two days between wears. If you want something for every day, buy two pairs: they will both look smarter longer. And the bag doesn’t have to have a recognisable name.”

Lalage is well aware that women are buying more carefully. Her spring 2010 collection focuses on strong paintbox colours in plain raw silks, with gorgeous summer tweeds and embroideries adding texture and depth.

With cash-savvy mothers of the bride in mind, she has also created a two-in-one outfit – a tweed jacket trimmed with silk over a pure silk dress for day, plus an alternative shrug or bolero for evening. “And talking of dresses, if you want the simple little black dress to last for years then you need to spend. If you happen to find something pretty you might get lucky, but it will have a shorter lifespan.”

Trust long-established brands to tailor clothes well – the only additional consideration is your height. Some retailers offer an alteration service, so don’t rule out anything without trying on first.  Jaeger is famous for elegant tailoring. 

Brora Cashmere – investing in good cashmere pays off in the long-run.

A timeless classic could be expensive but the price of a cheapie isn’t always obvious. Gray & Osbourn washable jacket.

Take one great dress - and it will see you through the year.  A good dress is a good dress, whether it cost a few pounds or hundreds. Choose a style and shade you will happily wear again and again. Quality fabric and timeless style require investment.

With standard denim jeans it’s not the cost but the cut that really counts, from Joules. The only exceptions are those super-stretchy, drop-asize designs such as those from Michèle’s Magic Jeans.

Party shoes don’t have to cost a mint to look gorgeous.  Invest well in shoes you will wear most often, especially boots for winter or great sandals from Lotus.

Shopping tips

• Don’t ask, don’t tell – never reveal what you paid for clothes.
• Create an expectation of expense and quality with key choices.
• Beware ‘aftercare’ costs – dry cleaning adds pounds.
• Take care of your investment with a good clothes brush, spot cleaning, instant mending, regular airing and careful pressing.
• Down-at-heel shoes, however expensive, look cheap.
• Want or need? Spend more on clothes you really need to get right, need to wear often, need to last…

Contact details

Brora 0845 659 9944 www.brora.co.uk

CC 01845 573120 www.ccfashion.co.uk

Gray & Osbourn 0871 987 1166 www.grayandosbourn.co.uk

Jaeger 0845 051 0063 www.jaeger.co.uk

James Lakeland 020 7636 7130 www.jameslakeland.net

Joules 0845 606 6871 www.joulesclothing.com

Kettlewell Colours 01460 282917 www.kettlewellcolours.co.uk

Lalage Beaumont 020 7495 7799 www.lalagebeaumont.com

Lotus 01604 593600

Matalan 0845 330 3330 www.matalanonline.co.uk

Michèle 020 7636 4207